Category: Shows

Today officially begins Austin’s tradition of Free Week.  It’s like SXSW, just with tons and tons of great Austin (and a few Texas) bands.  Sure, there’s been some recent debate about the validity of free week and how the musicians get paid, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least give you some suggestions for the opening night, and hopefully suggestions as it goes along.

First, since there has been debate about how the bands earn money during free week, while you get free rock n’ roll, here’s a few quick tips on how to help them out: 1) Buy merchandise.  Austin is notoriously bad at this, but bands are able to fund their tours, their recordings, etc. when you buy their stuff; ten bucks go a long way.  2) Buy lots of booze.  A lot of venues are giving percentages to the bands to pay them, so be sure you spend well at the bar, or just leave a tip with the band.

Now, here’s my suggestions:

Royal Forest and Reservations at the Belmont @8

The Baker Family and Ruby Fray at Mohawk @ 8

Big Bill at Chain Drive @ 9

Pick one, skip around, do your thing, but be sure to catch a ton of shows. You owe it to yourself.

Download: Royal Forest – John Denver [MP3]